BIM and Parametric Design as game changers

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Parametric Design on the distribution of roles and responsibility in architectural practice. It will do so in consideration of the epistemological changes associated to new skill-sets young graduates bring into practice and their positioning among experienced professionals on project teams. On one hand the paper will scrutinise how the use of BIM and Parametric design influences design and delivery of projects, their impacts on practice culture, and the associated role-distribution on project teams. On the other hand the paper will discuss to what extent academic institutions can or should respond to the challenges and the opportunities inherent to these changes in practice. A number of responses to the challenges and opportunities will be presented by the author for further consideration by others. © 2014, The Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), Hong Kong.